TOMS is changing the world every day, proving that a business model based on giving can be successful. In just over two years of business, we have provided shoes for over 130,000 children worldwide and inspired others to start businesses based on the One for One model.

We want you to bring your unique talents and passion to the TOMS movement. The internship is demanding and incredibly rewarding.

Here's a sample of how your work will be changing the world:

Podoconiosis (endemic non-filarial elephantiasis) is a debilitating disease that causes extreme swelling, repeated ulcers, and deformity in the legs. The disease is caused by walking or working barefoot in silica-rich volcanic soil, a common practice in rural farming regions of developing countries. This has created a large public health problem in at least ten countries in tropical Africa, Central America, and northern India.

In Ethiopia alone, it is estimated that eleven million people are considered at-risk, with between five hundred thousand and one million people already affected. Those affected suffer deformity, intense pain and are treated as outcasts from their society, unable to work to support themselves through their subsistence farming. For millions, not wearing shoes ruin lives.

There is a solution to this global problem. The early stages of Podoconiosis can be reversed by simple foot hygiene and footwear. This terrible disease can be completely prevented and eradicated if those living on dangerous soil simply have and wear shoes consistently from early childhood.

TOMS Shoes is working on eradicating this preventable disease by giving durable footwear to all early-stage or at-risk children in the hazardous areas of Ethiopia. The shoes donated will be different than the traditional TOMS Shoes, adapted to best prevent exposure to the volcanic soil.